The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

If you’re unlucky enough to have developed plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, you may have considered giving up running altogether. Plantar fasciitis is characterised by intense pain on the bottom of the heel, which is often worst when taking your first steps after a long rest. It’s a very common running injury, and a well-known cause of pain in the heel.

Generally, it’s caused by a lack of arch support and too much stress on the foot. Heel spurs are slightly different, however are often experienced alongside plantar fasciitis and deliver intense pain to the heel.

The pain is caused by calcium build-up on the heel bone, which has often developed as the foot tries to provide extra support to the strained ligament.

Runners should be aware of this condition and take steps to prevent it developing, especially if slight pain has been noticed already in the heel.

You can prevent plantar fasciitis and heel spurs by wearing fitted, supportive footwear. Making sure to stretch out feet properly before and after a run is important.

Even if you have already developed plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, you can reduce and relieve the condition. For some sufferers, they noticed a dramatic improvement just by wearing a different pair of shoes.

You can alleviate your pain and symptoms by resting, recuperating and training carefully. However, it’s also a good idea to invest in shoes that will support you and prevent further injury.

If you have taken some time out of running and are looking at getting back into it, one of these shoes may be the ideal companion to help you find your stride again.

New Balance Men’s M990v3 Running Shoe

These New Balance running shoes are ideal for runners suffering from heel problems. They have special ABZORB heel cushioning, which provides additional comfort for each heel strike.

It also features an Ndurance outsole which helps with the durability of the shoe, providing extra resistance against wear on the heel and sides. Although not very light, it offers a snug fit and features breathable mesh to help cool down hard-working feet.

Some users of these shoes have reported that they hold strong odours quite strongly, however with regularly cleaning of the inner shoe they fare much better.

New Balance also offer this shoe in a range of width sizes, which helps runners who are limited by narrow or wide feet. These versatile running shoes are ideal for walking, light hikingand running on surfaces that aren’t rough.

Pros

The M990v3 running shoe is well designed for road or pavement running

It has stability technology that supports runners who suffer from pronation

Has a classic, traditional, design and a range of colour options

Cons

This model has been updated to the M990v4, however that may lead to price reductions for the v3

ASICS Men’s Gt-2000 4 Running Shoes

These ASICS Gt-2000 4 running shoes are designed to be lightweight and breathable, featuring an open mesh upper which provides extra ventilation for hot, sweaty feet.

These shoes are ideal for runners suffering from heel issues because they feature a heel clutching system, which supports and cushions the heel. There is also a gel cushioning system on the outer heel that also absorbs impact and reduces shock felt by the heel when running.

The ASICSGt-2000 4 technology also works hard to balance out pronation issues and promote stability. It has stability mechanics for the mid-foot, preventing the inwards foot roll that can happen to some runners.

Pros

The cushioned soles are very responsive and add bounce to your run

Available in a number of different colour options

They offer great arch support and stability to runners who tend to over-pronate

Made from durable materials, and long lasting construction

Cons

Again, this is an older model since updated by the Gt-2000 5

They are less flexible than some shoes and need thoroughly breaking in

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 17, Women’s Running Shoes

This shoe is packed with features to provide extra cushioning and support to runners. It has great absorption for each heel strike, which is a great help to runners who have plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 17 is also very breathable, as it has a seamless meth upper to provide airflow and ventilation. The midsole of this shoe has Fluid Ride technology, which gives runners extra bounce and cushioning.

The Gel-Nimbus 17 is flexible and lightweight. The running shoe fits closely to the runner’s foot, almost like a glove, and is designed to give a lot of heel support.

It keeps the heel in place when running. The sole is constructed with rubber materials and provides good traction for running.

Cons

Verdict

Running is a fantastic exercise and, although injury can press pause on your running activity, many injuries can be recovered from or prevented by wearing the right pair of running shoes.

The pairs recommended above are good options for giving extra support to the heel. That extra heel support is a running shoe feature that can alleviate existing problems or stop heel injury from happening altogether.

If you do suffer from plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, choose a pair of running shoes that will cushion and stabilise your heel.

You need technology that will absorb impact so that your heel doesn’t feel that pressure. Finally, try to buy a pair in a half size bigger than normal, so you can use an insole if you need even more support.

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